Last night I went to one of my best friend's father's 73rd birthday party (A shout out to Big Jay Hudson! Happy Birthday!). Anyway, I've been buddies with "Little" Jay Hudson since I was in 2nd grade and over the years have gotten to know their family very well. From the yearly birthday parties and from other events I have had the privilege of getting to know the aunts and uncles and cousins almost as if they were my own kin.
So, last night my girlfriend and I drove up to North St. Louis city from our home in suburban Oakville to attend the party. We were greeted with hugs and welcomes that were no different that the hugs that were given out to any of the cousins. We hooped and hollered and caught up what all had transpired since the last time that we had seen one another. Grandma Hudson coached me on how special my girlfriend was and how I should make sure not to let her get away. She told me that she was staying busy doing tax returns for the other residents in the retirement home.
Big Jay is looking better than ever and his girlfriend Doris MCed the show. Cousin Tony sang his heart out.
As I sat back taking it all in, it dawned on me that it didn't matter that I wasn't blood or that I wasn't even of the same race, these were my people and I was part of them. As the title says, Having a large extended family is a beautiful thing!
R.B. "Bob" Mitchell
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